Tips on assessing job opportunities at an unfamiliar university.
I often hear people opine that a university is a great place to work.
Unless I know the faculty, I have no way of evaluating that university.
Most rankings are based on self-report data, that is pushed on social media, to create the perception the place is good.
But is it?
I don't know.
My uncertainty is compounded when assessing the global landscape - you just don't know if a place is a good one to work.
I truthfully don’t know of a clear reliable rubric for making within or cross-country evaluations.
This came to mind because I keep seeing Woxsen University pop up in my feed.
So I looked it up.
Less than a decade old and only officially recognized as a university in India this past couple of years, they appear to have sorted out how to gain attention on social media - by making part-time faculty appointments or naming ‘chairs’ after well-known academics.
I’m not bothered by their social media success - in fact, I applaud them - only time will tell if the strategy succeeds.
But it made me wonder what would I counsel an early career researcher contemplating joining an unfamiliar university.
Given I am skeptical of self-reported data & claims of quality on social media, what should you look at?
First, look at the backers.
If it is public, it likely will be around a while. Public institutions rarely die. You will have a job!
Second, look at the mission.
Does it align with your values? Value fit is important for life satisfaction.
Third, look at the revenue model.
Is it tuition, grant or public funding driven?
Most schools are a mix.
This will shape the priorities of the institution and your daily work life, more than many senior faculty would like to admit.
If you are most interested in research, a pure teaching revenue model likely isn’t for you (and the opposite holds true)!
Fourth, look at the scholarship.
Where people publish tells you about the aspirations.
The frequency with which people publish tells you about the culture.
As a first job, it is better to work at a place that has aspirations, assuming it has resources to match.
Finally, look at the people.
Look at their credentials, experience, & where people that left went.
The third point might be controversial- but there are always people coming & going from universities.
Where people stop next, is a strong indicator of uni quality. If they are moving to well-known schools, it might be a good place for you.
Teasing out what is & is not a good place to work in an era of #socialmedia can be challenging - schools can craft a compelling image & be a hollow shell.
So take some time to think it through & do your research on the place before accepting a position.
Best of luck!
Comments